The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate has seized four luxury cars that were cut into three or four large sections and declared as used vehicle parts in an alleged attempt to evade import duties at Mongla port.

The vehicles — a 2017 Range Rover Vogue, a 2010 BMW 650i, a 2016 Lexus LX570 and a Toyota Crown Athlete GCR204 — had an estimated combined market value of BDT 45 million to BDT 67 million, the agency said.

Customs intelligence said Dhaka-based Crown Automobile imported the consignment from Japan’s Mahi Car Port, with Khulna clearing and forwarding agent ST International handling release. A bill of entry was filed on April 20 and the letter of credit was opened at First Security Islami Bank.

The importer declared 14 items of used car parts weighing 10,220 kilogrammes, including doors, engines, gears, bumpers and steering components, with an invoice value of about $7,935 (BDT 993,547). On that basis, it showed customs duty and taxes of only BDT 610,030, according to the agency.

Acting on a tip-off, customs intelligence offices in Khulna and Mongla suspended clearance and carried out a full physical examination of the consignment on July 19. Inspectors found whole vehicles, including wiring harnesses and sensors, cut into three or four large pieces rather than ordinary spare parts. The pieces could be reassembled into complete cars.

Customs officials identified the models using artificial intelligence and with help from specialists at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET).

The agency said the cars should be classified as partially dismantled or semi-knocked-down motor vehicles under international classification rules, rather than ordinary parts. It is calculating the final amount of alleged revenue evasion based on engine capacity, depreciation and market value.

It said the shipment violated the Import Policy Order and the Customs Act, and sent a report to Mongla Customs House recommending legal action.